Soundproofing

[SequenceF]

Hi guys,
Anyone have any suggestions as far as soundproofing goes? I moved into a new place that's nice, but seems to have thin walls (condo dwellers - this is something to check for!!!!!) and I won't be able to ditch this place in favor of a proper house for a little while.

The problem is that my vocal chords are involuntarily restricting for fear that someone will complain or call the police or something and I can't sing anymore. I'm not afraid to sing in front of crowds, I actually prefer it, but I don't like disturbing my neighbors every day.

I want to look into an inexpensive and easy to install/remove soundproofing solution for two of the walls (the one facing the outside and the wall that adjoins with my neighbor), but it's not something I want to spend TOO much on ($200 or less would be cool).

I'm a little concerned about heat (I use an HD projector and screen, which actually heats up the whole room!) but I could mitigate that by opening a window for a minute every once and a while when I take a break.

I've done some research and ended up more frustrated and undecided than i was before I started. Can anyone suggest a nice solution for me? I really miss singing :(

Happy Christmas!

-Rob

[jonoo24]

egg cartons. plastic or cardboard.lots and lots of egg cartoons.

[Daesania]

egg crate foam - most craft stores have it. Otherwise, carpet squares on the wall might work too.

[SequenceF]

Worst thing about it is, my neighbor is probably cool with the sound - right now he's rocking out over there and I can hear his music, but the direct sound waves from someone's voice carries so much better than diffused sounds from speakers, so my singing probably sounds 25% louder than the accompanying music.

I'll look into the egg foam - that's a really great idea!!! The pattern of egg foam probably breaks up soundwaves really good.

[Daesania]

your local craft or hardware store probably has the egg crate foam.

Also, you might try searching on the forums (although its a pain to do on these forums), but I know there's a couple threads that have some suggestions on soundproofing.

[animemetalhead]

Do NOT use egg cartons, this is an urban legend, they do NOTHING. As someone setting up a home recording studio, I can tell you it's difficult to make something soundproof. Carpet squares work, and would probably do well in your situation, so I'd go with those. Just make sure you put them up in a way that lets you take them back down without damaging your walls.

[Daesania]

The egg crate foam does work, I think you're confusing that with cartons. Egg crate foam looks like this. (http://www.foambed.com/merchant/images/eggcrate1.jpg)

[animemetalhead]

I totally said cartons in my post. jonoo mentioned them a few posts back.

Never tried egg crate foam, might have to give it a whirl.

[Daesania]

mmk.

[Transbrak]

The three things that work best are egg crate foam thick blankets and getting to know your neighbors.


If your neighbors know you they are more likely to give you a call or knock on your door before they call the cops.